Are you prepared for Distaster ??

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YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

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PR I N S T 1 ED O ITU UC V TE AT E N

Vol. Y7A no. 1

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Vol. 7 no. 1

L e a r n i ng fo r a b e t t e r l i fe

Are you prepared for

Disaster?

YOU’VE heard the saying, “prevention is better than cure”. But what happens if you can’t prevent something bad happening? What do you do then?

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e can protect ourselves by planning ahead.

Think about the possible disasters in your area. How can you prevent or prepare for them?

Something simple like putting paraffin out of reach of a small child can prevent a disaster. Large-scale disasters like floods are hard for individuals to prevent, but we can prepare for them.

There are 2 categories of preparation.

One is preparing for survival during the disaster, for example, by stocking up on water; the other is protecting things we can’t afford to lose, like important documents. continued on page 3

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Vol. 7 no. 1

CREDITS Publisher Jacaranda Designs Ltd Technical Advisers Experts from our sponsors Executive Director Susan Scull-Carvalho Creative Director Peta Meyer Art Director Katherine Moir Senior Editor Helen van Houten Writers Clare Barasa, Charles Bodo, Jo Carpenter, Peta Meyer, Katherine Moir, Sarah Radoli, Susan Scull-Carvalho, Julia Wanjeri Graphic Designers Samuel Gachie, Grace King’ori, Mbula Makaa-Kinuthia, Katherine Mamai Artists Cyrus Gathigo, Bella Kilonzo, Katherine Moir, Harrison Muriuki, Martin Ngugi, Benjamin Ondiege, Nkrumah Ondiek, Celestine Wamiru Photographs Madeline Barnard, Charles Bodo, J. Patrick Fischer, Hans Hillewaert, Mary Frances Howard, Julia Wanjeri, IRIN, World Agroforestry Centre, www.sxc.hu, www.en.wikipedia.org Contacts info@youngafricanexpress.net subscription@youngafricanexpress.net marketing@youngafricanexpress.net website: www.youngafricanexpress.net Printed in Nairobi, Kenya Jacaranda Designs Ltd PO Box 1202–00606 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 374-4737 Fax: +254 (0)20 374-9171 Cell: +254 (0)722 667747 Email: info@jacaranda-africa.com Copyright© Jacaranda Designs Ltd 2012 Young African Express is published by Jacaranda Designs Ltd, under a registered trademark.

All rights reserved.

While every attempt has been made to verify all facts, instructions and procedures, the publisher claims indemnity against results of any nature whatsoever arising from the application/s thereof.

Readers are encouraged to contribute. They must include a self-addressed envelope if they want their materials returned; we cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. The editor reserves the right to alter materials in any way deemed necessary. Young African Express is not responsible for unsolicited material. All articles and material submitted must bear the contributor’s name if they are to be used by Young African Express. The opinions expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the editors and publishers of Young African Express.

Thank you for “adopting a school” by sponsoring subscriptions for others.

AgriFRESH Kenya Ltd • Braeburn School • Nicky Blundell Brown • James Finlay (Kenya) Ltd • Hopcraft family • Kitengela Glass • Diocese of Lodwar • Malewa Ranching Initiative • Nairobi Pentecostal • Ole Moi Yoi family • Tara Consultants • VVOB education for development

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

EXPRESSIONS

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the first of our super Young African Express issues for 2012. With partners, we’re offering a new comic series (see page 11) and features to inspire you to make your world a better place. Don’t miss one, or you’ll be sorry!

Does taking action to make your world better sound difficult to you? Do you think this is not your responsibility? Or is it hard to imagine how the many problems around you could ever be fixed? There are many troubles in our world but the power of people working together can make a big difference!

As you read, learn about challenges facing individuals and communities, plants and animals on our planet.

Talk about these with classmates and friends, and at home too. Make a list of problems you see. List how these are affecting people, identifying which people. Why or how did these problems arise?

Consider many angles: social, economic, geographic, environmental, political and so forth.

Now explore solutions. For each problem you’ve identified, list specific activities and attitudes that will help create solutions. How can one person’s action contribute to the solution? Does that action

affect another?

How? What does ‘agent of change’ or ‘change agent’ mean to you? What do people in the same community, country and region share?

I’M MAKING MY “CAN DO” LIST—THINGS I CAN DO TO MAKE OUR WORLD BETTER!

Consider this saying as you read and get inspired by the stories of what others are doing: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great” Zig Ziglar, inspirational speaker.

Send us your ideas on being an agent of change.

We’ll publish your views in future issues—so include your name, age and address with a photo if possible!

Send your ideas to: Young African Express email info@YoungAfricanExpress.net SMS 0722-667747 or 0733-960757

We say…

When we asked some children which cultural practices they know of, and whether they are good or bad, nearly everyone mentioned traditions belonging to other communities, but not their own! What about you? Do you know your own cultural practices?

Brian Kibet.

16 years old, Class 8, Madaraka Primary School.

Enjoys athletics and football In the old days, there was circumcision for boys and girls.

They also used to drink alcohol during weddings. There is naming of children too. If the grandfather is dead, the child is named after him. These are customs for the Kalenjin people. I think female genital mutilation should be stopped because it can cause HIV and AIDS when circumcisers use the same knife to circumcise.

Samuel Brian Ochieng’. 12 years old, Class 6, Whitestar Academy.

Likes swimming and football Among the Maasai, before a man married, he had to kill a lion. Only then was he given a wife. During weddings, people drink blood and milk from cattle. Among the Meru, circumcision for girls was and is still practised though it is illegal.

One is given a husband after that.

The lion-killing should be stopped because it is dangerous and once the person is dead then the wifeto-be loses her fiancé.

Karadino Fofana. 14 years old, Class 8, Madaraka Primary School. Swims and plays football I have heard of removing of teeth for the Luo. That is the only one I know of since I am a Guinean and I don’t know local practices.

However, I have never been to Guinea.

Julie Maureen.

13 years old, Class 7, Shadrack Kimalel Primary School.

Likes football and athletics I know of circumcision for both boys and girls, cockfighting and bullfighting. Circumcision for girls should be stopped, but for boys it is okay.

Lisa Muthoni.

13 years old, Class 7, Makini School.

Takes part in swimming and athletics I know of one for Luos— removal of teeth for women.

It’s like the way boys are circumcised. I think since female circumcision can lead to transmission of sexual diseases, it should be stopped. That also goes for removal of teeth.

Brigid Chemutai. 14 years old, Class 8, Mbagathi Primary School.

Dances and plays football There is dancing, wrestling, bullfighting and singing folk songs. Singing and dancing are good because they are fun. However, I do not see the fun in bullfighting so it is not good.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Are you prepared for

Disaster? continued from page 1

Planning ahead of a flood

B

etty’s family is from Budalangi town, a flood-prone area. They are having a family meeting today.

They have resolved to plan ahead of the flooding season this year. There were serious floods last year. Let’s see how they prepare themselves.

Every family member memorises her address and phone number.

The family puts together a disaster kit in case they have to evacuate in a hurry. It includes a torch with extra batteries, a small FM radio, first aid kit and manual, mobile phone charger, emergency blankets, cash, and matches in a waterproof container. They make photocopies of all important documents and stock enough non-perishable food and water for at least 3 days. They also store sanitation and hygiene items, and kitchen items.

A disaster kit, also called an emergency tool kit, can be stored in

BOARD

Bulletin

Letters Po e ms Art Stor ies

What about fire?

H

assan’s family lives in a dense urban area. After seeing a fire in a nearby slum, they are putting measures in place to ensure they are always prepared for fire.

The family writes down a list of all the vital items they would carry out in case of fire and then prepares a disaster kit, just as Betty’s family did.

They have identified Uncle Mafsud’s home as a common meeting place. He lives in a neighbouring estate.

They look for good exit points in their house and each member practises escaping through them.

The family draws up an emergency communication plan. In case family members get separated during flash floods, they want to have a plan for getting back together.

They look for a relative or friend to serve as the family contact if it floods. They have chosen Aunt Lucy, who lives 3 towns away.

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Vol. 7 no. 1

EXPRESSIONS

a waterproof plastic box or in plastic bags in a suitcase.

Make sure the house has at least 2 exit points (doors and windows).

Make sure that everyone can reach the key. front door

key

Copies of personal documents include • Birth certificates • Passports • Deed/lease to home • Education certificates • Important medical information • Insurance policies • Proof of address • Photos

window

key

All family members practise turning off gas, electricity and water, and the children learn which radio station to tune into for emergency information.

All household items that can be used to fight fire are moved to the store near the house. These include a bucket of sand, fire extinguisher, rake, axe, saw and shovel. These are for fighting small fires before the fire fighters arrive.

Dad contacts the local Chief’s Office to find out possible emergency centres in case of flooding. They will identify the best routes for getting there in a hurry.

Be prepared. Write down possible disasters that could happen around you. How would you prevent or prepare for them?

We want to hear from you! Send us your writing, drawings, paintings and opinions and you could see them in Young African Express!

Teachers, why not make it a class project?

Send them to Young African Express at PO Box 1202 - 00606 Nairobi, email info@YoungAfricanExpress.net

Attention Educators: Follow the colour band at the top of each page for curriculum links Expressions: English language and literacy Our World: Civil society, social sciences and human rights Business and careers Staying Healthy: Health, hygiene and nutrition Going Green: Agroforestry, home gardens and environmental conservation Practical Science: Maths, science and technology Critical thinking, puzzles and brainteasers

Don’t forget!

Our wedding competition is still running. The closing date is 30 April 2012, so keep those entries coming!

Post your entry to Young African Express PO Box 1202–00606 Nairobi, Kenya or email it to info@YoungAfricanExpress.net

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Vol. 7 no. 1

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

staying healthy

Eat those greens!

Can you name the different types of green leafy vegetables your mum prepares for the family?

Sukuma wiki, spinach, mchicha, mitoo, managu, mrenda, sageti, osuga, terere, kunde … Most of these are traditional vegetables packed with goodness. So, next time your mum tells you to eat your vegetables, don’t sulk.

These greens gave your mother health and strength, and me, and my parents, and their parents—now you can enjoy their goodness!

Mchicha

Mrenda

G

reen leafy vegetables are high in protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, carotene, and vitamins A, B and C. All these nutrients are essential to meet human requirements, including normal growth and protection from protein and calorie malnutrition.

They also help boost energy levels in your body.

The beta-carotene present in vegetables can be converted into vitamin A. It also helps strengthen the immune system.

Vitamin A protects your eyes from disorders such as night blindness and cataracts.

The iron in green leafy vegetables helps your body make more red blood cells, which transport oxygen through your body. Iron is especially important in the diet of young girls entering puberty and of women. It helps them build more red blood cells, especially because they lose blood in menstruation and childbirth.

The body’s iron balance varies according to how much green leafy vegetables and fruit you eat. That is because the vitamin C in fruit helps your cells better absorb the iron.

The chlorophyll that gives green vegetables their colour also helps prevent toxins from damaging your liver.

Pooh! What causes it?

It’s an extremely hot day at Tumiani Primary School and everyone is lined up for parade.

Then the students standing next to Mary move away. Holding their noses, they complain in low tones how Mary smells terrible.

A guidance teacher notices her standing alone, looking miserable.

Teacher: Good day, Mary. What’s up?

Mary: Nobody is comfortable around me.

They say I have body odour. I guess it’s from my sweat. Does sweat always smell?

Teacher: Sweat is odourless, but if left on the skin the bacteria that normally live there feed on it and break it down.

This process releases chemicals that cause the unpleasant smell.

Mary: Why is it that only certain parts of my body smell?

Teacher: The armpits and genitals have glands that produce proteins and oily substances that bacteria feed on. When bathing, give them special attention.

Mary: Thank you, Counsellor. No more embarrassing moments. I can now walk with my head held high.

TIPS Mary: Should I give attention to other parts too?

Teacher: We wrap up the feet in socks and shoes, making them hot and humid.

That allows fungi as well as bacteria to flourish—and smell.

Mary: I think I know where my body odour is coming from. I did not change my socks, and I had no water to wash before school.

Teacher: Why not go and shower now in the school bathroom. I’ll find you some soap and a towel.

• Wash every day. If water is a problem, wash those areas likely to sweat most during the day. Scrub with soap and water.

• Wash your clothes regularly.

• Change your underwear each time you bathe.

• Change your socks regularly, and dry between your toes after bathing.

• If you have more than one pair of shoes, wear them on alternate days so they have a chance to air and dry out.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

What to do Something catches fire. What do you do? Here are some tips.

T

hough it is not easy, DON’T PANIC. Panicking makes you forget what you should do. You might even run towards the flames or become part of a stampede if you are in a crowded place like a school.

Call 999 for emergency help if you have access to a phone.

Vol. 7 no. 1

fire safety

e r fi a s ’ e i f ther Alternative escape routes

If a window has no burglar proofing and is on the ground floor, it is a good escape route. Open the window slowly and ensure that fire and/or smoke is not blocking your escape route.

What to do until help comes

Drop and crawl

In a fire, smoke and poisonous air hurt more people than the actual flames do. You’ll breathe less smoke if you stay close to the ground. Smoke naturally rises, so if there is smoke while you’re using your escape route, stay low to avoid it. Drop to the floor and crawl on your hands and knees or on your belly, below the smoke.

If you're in an enclosed room when the fire breaks out:

1

If you see smoke coming under the door— don't open the door.

Check to see if there's heat or smoke coming in through the cracks around the door.

(You're checking to see if there's fire on the other side.)

2 If the door is hot or very warm— don't open the door.

If you don't see smoke, touch the door.

3

4

If you don't see smoke and the door is not hot— touch the doorknob lightly with your fingers.

If the doorknob is hot or very warm— don't open the door.

If the doorknob feels cool, and you can't see any smoke around the door, open the door carefully and slowly.

If you feel a burst of heat or smoke pours into the room— quickly shut the door. Make sure it is properly closed.

6

5 Keep heat and smoke from getting past the door by blocking the cracks around it with sheets, blankets or clothing.

If there is a window in the room that you cannot escape by, open it wide and wave a lightcoloured cloth out of the window to alert rescuers.

7 Place a piece of clothing or a cloth over your mouth to keep from breathing in the smoke.

This works even better if you wet the cloth first.

Stop, drop and roll

A person’s clothes can catch fire during a fire or by accident, like if you step too close to a candle.

If this happens, don’t run! Instead, stop, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll. This will cut off the air and put out the flames.

If someone near you catches fire, push them to the ground and roll them in a carpet or blanket to put out the flames.

Stay safe

• Never play with matches, lighters or other fire sources.

• Stay away from fireplaces, candles and stoves.

• Don’t play with electrical appliances.

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Vol. 7 no. 1

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

hiv & you

H-I-V

AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome

explained Dear Counsellor, Why do people use sets of capital letters when they talk about HIV? Can you explain them?

Howeida Dear Howeida, Words like UNESCO, made up of capital letters, are called acronyms; terms like UN in which the capital letters are spelled out are abbreviations.

Both are easier to use than the long groups of words (often difficult words) they stand for. I am going to explain 3 common acronyms and abbreviations for you.

Counsellor

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus

HIV or “the HI virus” is the virus that causes AIDS. H Human This one is easy! HIV affects humans.

I Immunodeficiency (im-yoo-noh-de-fish-in-see) Unable to fight disease. This combines 2 words: Immune, or protected, describes the way our body protects us against disease. The ways in which the body resists disease are called the immune system.

Deficiency means a shortage or lack of something. When someone has HIV, their immune system loses some of its power to resist infections.

V Virus A virus is a molecule (tiny particle) that causes a particular disease. It is a parasite—it can only reproduce (make more virus molecules) within living cells. HIV only multiplies within the cells of the human body.

AIDS is the disease of the immune system that HIV causes.

A Acquired “Acquire” means “to get”. AIDS can develop from HIV after it is acquired from other people with HIV. I Immune See the Immunodeficiency descriptions above. When someone has AIDS, they have no protection against many diseases.

D Deficiency

S Syndrome A syndrome is a group of signs, called symptoms, that show someone has a disease.

ARVs stands for antiretroviral drugs

There is no cure yet for HIV but drugs called ARVs can prevent it from developing into AIDS. A Anti “Anti” means “against”. ARV drugs work against the HI virus.

R Retrovirus A retrovirus is a virus that can trick living cells into reproducing it. HIV is a retrovirus.

Now test yourself: Which of the 3 terms is an acronym? home.

but the term has just started!

where are you going?

is everything okay? hey, tassi!

Story by Peta Meyer Art by Bella Kilonzo

i know. i want to run away. but where can i go?!

there are hostels where you can stay.

my father has called me home. he says it is time i am circumcised so that he can find me a husband.! you are too young to get married!

…(sigh)… not in my community.

it won’t work. my father will find me.

the female cut is against human rights. and you might have serious medical problems afterwards, maybe even hiv.

really? how do i find such a hostel?

your father can’t force you. the female cut is against the law. the area chief will be on your side.

and it’s a free call. just dial 116.

here! you can get the information from childline,*

hello, childline? please, i need your help …

* Childline is an advisory service for children who need help. The number 116 is free from any phone.

TALK ABOUT IT! imagine you are tassi—write a letter to your dad to explain you’re now in a hostel where they’ll support you to finish school. what reasons would you give?

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 7 no. 1

bodyworks

Some brainy facts A

ll vertebrate animals, whether mammals, birds, reptiles, fish or amphibians, have a brain. But the human brain is unique. Your brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves make up a complex informationprocessing and control system known as the central nervous system.

Cerebrum

The cerebrum makes up about 85% of the brain’s weight. It controls your voluntary muscles—the ones that move when you want them to. You need your cerebrum to write or walk.

Together, these organs control the activities of the other organs of the body. These are unconscious activities but the brain also controls conscious activities like thought and speech.

The brain has many different parts that work together. These are:

Corpus callosum

The corpus callosum is a thick band of nerve fibres that connects the 2 halves of the cerebrum.

The cerebrum has 2 halves.

The right half helps you put information together. For example, when your eye sees a car, the right side of the cerebrum puts things like its shape and colour together and says, “I recognise that— that is a car.” It organises information.

The left half analyses that information and gives it detail. The left side says, “Oh yes, I know that car—it’s Aunt Mary’s.” It also helps you reason, or make decisions, and remember. Both your long-term memory (the first birthday you remember) and short-term memory (what you had for lunch today) live in your cerebrum.

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is your brain’s internal thermostat (see page 25).

It helps your body stay at the right temperature (about 37 °C). If you are too hot, the hypothalamus tells your body to sweat. If you are too cold, it gets you shivering. Both shivering and sweating help to get your body’s temperature back to where it should be.

Pituitary gland

Thalamus

The thalamus passes information from other parts of the brain to the cerebum.

Did you know that the right side of your cerebrum controls the left side of your body and vice versa?

Brain stem

in While awake, yo ur bra tts wa 23 10– es rat gene to of electricity—enough lb! bu ht lig a r powe

The brain stem connects the rest of the brain to the spinal cord, which runs down your back inside your backbone. The brain stem is in charge of all the involuntary muscles and functions your body needs to stay alive, like breathing air, digesting food and circulating blood. It is the path through which all the messages sent between your brain and your body move.

The tiny pituitary gland produces and releases certain hormones into your body.

Hormones are chemicals that help your body control processes like growth.

The pituitary gland also influences other hormones and it helps maintain your metabolism.

Cerebellum

The cerebellum controls balance, movement and coordination (how your muscles work together). Your cerebellum helps you stand up, sit down and move around.

Healthy Tip Getting enough sleep helps your brain function just the way it should, so when it’s time for bed, lights out!

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YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

LIVING RIGHT

Some children handle change more easily than others.

They love to travel, meet new people, visit new places and try new things. Change motivates them. But don’t worry if you’re not like that—coping with change is never easy.

By Peta Meyer and Benjah Ondiege

Resistance—Faced with change, some children become really angry with their parents. They may accuse them of not caring or understanding.

Exploration—During this stage, you may feel confused. Try finding out more about your new school or the new house you are moving to.

Commitment—At this stage, you begin to cooperate and focus on the new school or neighbourhood you have moved to. You may think about the challenges and how the new school and new friends will be nice for you.

IT’S THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY ...

WHO SAYS I’M CLUMSY? HOW DARE YOU CALL ME NAMES!

HEY, MAN, CHILL!

THAT GIRL IS RUDE—SHE MUST BE PUNISHED!

WATCH IT, YOU CLUMSY OAF!

I SAID CHILL!

I’M SORRY I BUMPED YOU.

WHERE I COME FROM, GIRLS HAVE TO RESPECT BOYS. —WHERE WE CAN PERFORM AT OUR BEST. AND WE’LL FEEL HAPPIER TOO!

Emotion al ab

t en

m

Why are more girls than boys getting HIV?

A A

health survey made public during World AIDS Day last December gave the good news that HIV rates in Kenya are generally going down. The bad news, however, is that infection rates for women are still higher than for men. And among young women aged 15 to 24, the rate is a shocking 4 times higher than for young men.

Why are so many more girls getting infected than boys?

One of the reasons is that girls have less choice when it comes to the sexual behaviour that exposes them to HIV. More girls than boys get sexually abused, raped, forced into unsafe sex, or become victims of gender violence.

Did you know you can tell how equal a society is by its HIV infection rates? In countries where women’s rights are less developed, women’s HIV rates are higher than men’s. And as women get infected, they will pass the disease on to men, and the cycle continues.

Therefore, to win the battle against HIV and AIDS, a society must improve its treatment of women and girls.

Societies that respect women’s rights tend to do better economically, with more job opportunities, and better schools and healthcare services, because all citizens—women and men alike— are equal and contributing.

YOU’RE THE RUDE ONE— YOU PUSHED ME AND DIDN’T EVEN SAY SORRY! YES, IF WE ALL RESPECT EACH OTHER’S RIGHTS WE’LL HAVE A PEACEFUL, SECURE SOCIETY—

BUT BOYS HAVE TO RESPECT GIRLS TOO. WE ARE ALL EQUAL.

e

Most of us resist change because we are more comfortable and secure with what we are used to. But change is a reality of life, and we need to be ready when the unexpected comes knocking on our door.

Dealing with change

The most common reaction to change is denial. We may keep to ourselves or spend too much time in activities outside the home. It is OK to feel that way. Gradually, you will learn to accept the change.

F

Bullying,

he new school year has just started, bringing many changes with it. You have new classes and teachers and some of you are starting at a new school.

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T

Change

Say

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w ith Dealing

violence, d ef il

Vol. 7 no. 1

al xu Se

8

AND I’M SORRY I CALLED YOU NAMES.

Which sort of society would you rather live in?

If you are facing gender violence or other violations of your rights, call one of these hotlines.

• Childline Kenya 116 ne 0800 221 1121 • Liverpool VCT One-2-One Hotli 111 333 0800 da Ugan ren • Action for Child or 0800 111 222 243 • ANPPCAN-Tanzania (51) 152

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 7 no. 1

Human rights

I

magine being forced to flee from your own country with nothing more than the clothes on your back because of war, and upon reaching another country, you realise that you got separated from your mother or father along the way. That is the real life story of numerous child refugees in the world.

A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee from their own country due to war, violence or fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group. Refugees cannot return home or are afraid to do so; thus they seek refuge in other countries as they wait for the time when it is safe to return to their own country.

Countries that offer shelter and protection to refugees are called countries of asylum.

What do you think are some of the problems a refugee faces?

In 1950, an organisation known as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established to protect and solve the numerous problems refugees face. A year later, a law known as the 1951 Refugee Convention went into effect. The law spells out the responsibilities of refugees, stating that refugees should

DO THE

RIGHT

Be a giver, not a taker. Do not choose your friends for things like their money or popularity, or because you want them to do things for you!

conform to the laws of their country of asylum. It also states the rights of refugees, which include: • Right to seek asylum. Refugees should not be punished for entering a country illegally if they have come from a country where there is danger, or for possessing forged identity or travel documents.

• Right to non-refoulement, which means, they should not be forcibly returned to their own country if

THING

Look for someone with similar interests and hobbies. You will enjoy each other’s company and develop a strong friendship.

such a return would pose a threat to their life or freedom.

Refugees are also entitled to the basic universal human rights of the right to life and an identity; the right to protection from torture, exploitation and discrimination; the right of access to food, clothing, shelter and medical care; freedom of movement, religion, etc. Adult refugees should have the right to get a job and earn money, too.

How to be a good friend

Be honest and reliable. A dependable friend can be trusted not to change their attitude to you and to mean what they say.

Be supportive. Good friends may disagree but they support each other through good times and bad.

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Vol. 7 no. 1

our world

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

National borders

by Cyrus Gathigo and Katherine Moir

Stay safe— be seen Many pedestrians and cyclists are killed on our roads every week. You can avoid danger by making sure you are visible to drivers on the road.

Before crossing a road from behind a parked vehicle, step a little forward so approaching vehicles can see you and you can see them. Only cross when there is a safe gap.

I

Colonial borders artificially divided members of the Somali ethnic group in the Horn of Africa

n the past, the borders between many countries were vague and not well marked. But in modern times these borders are clearly defined.

Governments use physical features like mountains, rivers, forests or hills as boundaries for countries and cities.

A border can be geometric, meaning it consists of straight-line segments. A border can also be cultural. This means that the boundary separates people according to their ethnic and language groups.

In Africa in the 19th century, colonial leaders carved up the continent among themselves, creating artificial borders with little or no regard for the ethnic or religious groups that lived in the area. They often drew

straight lines to define borders between countries. Later, in the 20th century when they were withdrawing, they left the newly-independent countries with these artificially-drawn borders.

Sometimes, one large ethnic group was pushed into one country, but often a border that was drawn up arbitrarily (without any good reason) separated into different countries people who belonged to one ethnic group and spoke one language­—like the Maasai, who live in both Kenya and Tanzania.

The borders that brought the most conflict were those drawn in straight lines, based on longitudes and latitudes. These borders had little resemblance to physical geography and the natural groupings of people.

Thus they brought about conflict, such as we have seen in Sudan.

Eighty per cent of African borders follow the lines of latitude and longitude.

The Tanzanian-Kenyan border post of Namanga

Not just in Africa, but also in places like the Middle East and Eastern Europe, conflict, economic misery and even failed states continue to occur because of these artificial borders. However, with time, the people living

It is hard for drivers to see pedestrians at night. Wear light or bright coloured clothes (also good to wear in daylight).

Luminous strips on your clothes will make you even more visible.

The same applies to cyclists. Wear light or bright clothes. Attach reflectors to your bicycle. Overtake very carefully, making sure the driver has seen you.

in these regions are modifying the borders to make them more suitable for themselves in contemporary times.

Good examples include settlements along the Kenya and South Sudan border, and the Ethiopia-Kenya border.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 7 no. 1

Vines and branches

Part I

When a

crisis comes

SOMEWHERE IN AFRICA ...

THERE IT IS, ZIPPORAH. YOUR TV IS FIXED!

MY TV IS WORKING!

THANK YOU, NYUNDO.

NYUNDO, YOU’RE GOOD AT THIS!

MORE MONEY FOR MY SISTER’S SCHOOL FEES ...

NYUNDO! COME REPAIR MY RADIO.

YOUR RADIO IS FIXED.

NEEMA HAS EXAMS SOON, IF ONLY WE HAD ELECTRICITY FOR HER TO STUDY AFTER DARK.

OK!

I NEED ELECTRICITY IN MY HOUSE TOO. SMOKE FROMTHE LAMP AFFECTS MY SON’S CHEST. LET’S TALK TO NYUNDO, HEMA’S SON. HE IS VERY GOOD AT CONNECTING ELECTRICITY TO HOUSES, LET’S CALL HIM. FINALLY, YOU’VE DECIDED TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY TO YOUR HOUSES LIKE THE REST OF US?!

TIME TAKES ITS TOLL ON THE CONNECTIONS; NEGLECTED AND EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS, THEY GET FRAYED AND COME APART IN A GREAT EXPLOSION.

YES, NYUNDO IS USING TAPE TO FINISH UP THE WORK.

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Vines and branches

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

DESPERATE, THEY SEARCH OUT THEIR LOVED ONES, CALLING OUT FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND WORK TO RESCUE THEIR LIVES’ POSSESSIONS FROM THE INFERNO.

THE CALL GOES OUT FOR HELP ...

FIRE!

THE FIRE IS INSIDE! BUT WE CAN’T GET IN!

WE’RE OUT OF WATER!

QUICKLY,THE PEOPLE RALLY, SACRIFICING EVERY DROP OF WATER TO FIGHTING THE FIRE.

A FEW DAYS LATER AT A CHURCH SERVICE ...

WHAT WILL MY CHILDREN EAT?

I CAN’T FIND A JOB

TODAY’S SERMON COMES FROM THE PASSAGE WHERE THE LORD SHARED BREAD AND WINE DURING THE LORD’S SUPPER.

I DONATED THE GOAT. DIDN’T YOU GIVE THE BALE OF UNGA?

MY SICK CHILD. I HAVE NO MONEY FOR TREATMENT

YES BWANA PESA ... IT WAS ONLY RIGHT FOR US TO EAT MORE. WE DID AFTER ALL GIVE THE MOST.

DURING THE CHURCH ANNIVERSARY, I DID NOTICE MANY PEOPLE DID NOT GET ANYTHING TO EAT. ONLY A FEW GOT TO EAT THE GOAT.

WE SHOULDN’T FORGET OUR CHRISTIAN DUTY TO THE LESS WELL OFF ...

DON’T THE SCRIPTURES SAY HE WHO GIVES SHALL ALSO RECEIVE?

LET’S PRAY... LORD, HELP US FORGET NOT WHY YOU DIED ON THE CROSS, SELFISHNESSLY.

THAT WAS A GOOD SERMON.

I LOST MY HOUSE IN THE FIRE!!!

TIME FOR OUR RECESSIONAL HYMN ...

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK.

GOOD SERMON? BUT YOU WERE SLEEPING!!

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK, MCHUNGAJI.

Vol. 7 no. 1

Vines and branches

THANK YOU DHAHABU. BEFORE YOU GO, I WANT TO ASK YOU SOMETHING ...

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WHY WAS IT PEOPLE SEEMED TO BE DISTRACTED?

WHERE WAS GOD? DOES GOD CARE FOR THE POOR?

MCHUNGAJI, WHERE IS THE JUSTICE YOU KEEP TALKING ABOUT?

I WASN’T GOING TO MENTION THIS, BUT PEOPLE ARE GOING THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES, PLUS A FIRE JUST RECENTLY DESTROYED LIVES.

DHAHABU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR HONESTY.

MY SISTER,YOU’VE GIVEN ME A LOT TO THINK AND PRAY ABOUT ...

THAT NIGHT AT MCHUNGAJI’S HOUSE ...

OH, GOD!

HOW COULD I HAVE BEEN SO OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE NEEDS OF MY CONGREGATION!!!

MY HUSBAND, WHAT’S WRONG?

WE HAVEN’T BEEN ADDRESSING THE REALITY OF LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

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Vines and branches

WHAT HE REQUIRES OF US IS THIS:

THE FIRST THING I WANT IS TO REMOVE THE CHAINS OF OPPRESSION AND THE YOKE OF INJUSTICE.

GOD WANTS US TO WORK FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AS WELL.

OH LORD, THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING TO US. HELP US RALLY THE PEOPLE TO WORK FOR JUSTICE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

TOMORROW I WILL VISIT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

TO DO WHAT IS JUST. TO SHOW CONSTANT LOVE.

NOW I UNDERSTAND.

OUTSIDE ZIPPORAH’S HOUSE ...

CK! KNO

I WILL COME WITH YOU, MY HUSBAND.

WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, ZIPPORAH.

LATER ...

LAST TIME I SAW HER SHE WAS GOING TO MAMA IRENE TO PLAY. THAT’S WHERE SHE DIED IN THE FIRE. THEY SAY IT WAS THEIR POWER CONNECTION THAT CAUSED THE FIRE!!

THAT NYUNDO INSTALLED IT ... IT’S ALL HIS FAULT!

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

I UNDERSTAND YOUR RAGE. IN TIMES LIKE THESE IT IS EASY TO PLACE BLAME. BUT THE SITUATION IS COMPLEX ...

DEAR LORD, WE PRAY FOR ALL WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE FIRE ...

BWANA BENGA!

MY HUSBAND, I’LL STAY BEHIND TO SPEAK WITH ZIPPORAH SOME MORE.

YES, MCHUNGAJI.

Vol. 7 no. 1

Vines and branches

HELLO, NDUGU! WHY ARE YOU IN SUCH A RUSH?!

I LOST MY HOUSE IN THE FIRE. I AM RUSHING TO GET A LOAN FOR A NEW HOME. ALLOW ME TO GO.

I AM VERY SORRY. I HOPE YOU GET THE LOAN. I’LL CALL YOU.

IS THAT DHAHABU SELLING VEGETABLES?

HELLO DHAHABU ...

HELLO

MY WIFE ASKED ME TO BUY A CABBAGE.

SINCE OUR LAST TALK, I HAVE BEEN PRAYING AND SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES.

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YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vines and branches

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER TOWARDS FINDING SOLUTIONS ...

SEE WHAT OUR YOUNG ONES ARE FORCED INTO? A TRAP BETWEEN BACK-BREAKING WORK AND EXPENSIVE EDUCATION.

MCHUNGAJI, THAT IS MY SON, NDURURU. WE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY FOR HIS SCHOOL FEES ...

IT IS TIME TO DO SOMETHING! WILL YOU HELP MOBILIZE PEOPLE FOR A COMMUNITY MEETING?

WORD GOES ROUND ...

WINGU, ARE YOU GOING FOR THE COMMUNITY MEETING?

DID YOU HEAR? THE PASTOR HAS CALLED FOR A COMMUNITY MEETING!

YES!!!

SAFARI, ARE YOU COMING FOR THE COMMUNITY MEETING? WHAT’S THE MEETING FOR?

WE WANT TO COME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS HOW WE CAN CHANGE OUR LIVES FOR THE BETTER.

AT THE COMMUNITY MEETING...

THANK YOU FOR COMING. BEFORE WE START, I’D LIKE US TO TALK ABOUT THE FIRE ...

WILL YOU GO?

YES, I WILL GO! I WONDER WHAT THE PASTOR IS CALLING FOR?

MAYBE ... I’LL THINK ABOUT IT.

THAT IS JUST EMPTY TALK. IT STARTS WELL, THEN DIES DOWN ...

WAIT, YOU WILL SEE!

NYUNDO, PLEASE COME JOIN US.

WELL, I WILL BE GOING. IF YOU COME WITH ME, I WILL PAY FOR THE LUNCH YOU’RE EATING.

IN THAT CASE, I WILL COME.

NO WAY! GET HIM OUT OF HERE!

HE MUST PAY!

GET HIM!

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

I WANT US TO THINK A LITTLE ABOUT THIS ... WE WASTE TOO MUCH EFFORT FIGHTING EACH OTHER, INSTEAD OF WORKING TOGETHER.

SO DO WE AGREE TO WORK TOGETHER, LEAVE OUR FRACTURED PAST BEHIND AND BUILD OUR TOMORROW? LET’S BEGIN CREATING THE COMMUNITY WE WANT TO LIVE IN.

Vol. 7 no. 1

Vines and branches MANY OF US HERE BENEFITED FROM NYUNDO’S SERVICES.

TRUE MCHUNGAJI, BUT WE’RE LITTLE PEOPLE, WE DON’T KNOW ANYTHING.

I’VE CALLED THIS MEETING SO WE CAN START THE HARD WORK OF REPAIRING OUR FRAYED CONNECTIONS. SEE EACH OTHER, FEEL EACH OTHER, WORK TOWARDS SHARED SOLUTIONS.

WE NEED TO STOP FEELING INFERIOR, TO STOP SAYING WE ARE ALONE.

NO, WE’RE NOT!!

THIS IS OUR HOME— WE KNOW IT BETTER THAN ANYONE. WE CAN FIND SOLUTIONS.

LET US NOT GIVE UP THE HABIT OF MEETING TOGETHER. THE MOTHER’S GUILD SUPPORTS THIS.

WE MUST WORK TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY CLEAN. I ALSO ASK THAT YOU ATTEND OUR HEALTH CLINICS; DON’T WAIT TOO LONG WHEN YOU ARE ILL.

THIS IS AN OPEN FORUM. LET’S SPEAK UP. REMEMBER, EVERY VOICE COUNTS.

I PROPOSE THAT WE START A BUYERS’ COOPERATIVE. BUY TOGETHER TO REDUCE THE COST OF FOOD AND ENERGY.

I AM GOING TO ASK THAT WE START A COMMUNITY BANK— A FUND FROM WHICH TO BORROW AT GOOD INTEREST RATES TO ADVANCE OUR BUSINESSES.

WE NEED TO ESTABLISH OUR OWN MEDIA, RADIO AND WEBSITE TO PROVIDE BETTER CONNECTION AND INTERACTION, AND TO SHARE KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION.

LET’S THINK ABOUT STARTING A CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS.

AS YOUR REPRESENTATIVE, I WILL SUPPORT YOUR WORK. I ASK YOU TO KEEP ME FAITHFUL TO THIS PROMISE.

BEYOND THE TALK, TOMORROW, LET’S START REBUILDING THE HOUSES THE FIRE DESTROYED. I WILL BRING MABATI.

I WILL BRING TEA.

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Vol. 7 no. 1

Vines and branches

WE MEET TOMORROW MORNING TO TURN TALK INTO ACTION, TO START BUILDING OUR NEW SOCIETY. BRING YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS IN LABOUR AND MATERIALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION. WE CAN!

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

THE PEOPLE DISPERSE, ENERGISED WITH A NEW HOPE AND A BELIEF THAT THEIR NUMBERS, THEIR SOLIDARITY AND THEIR WILLINGNESS TO WORK TOGETHER CAN BRING ABOUT A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

WE WILL!

YES!

NOW THE HARD WORK BEGINS. LET’S PUT INTO ACTION ALL WE’VE PLEDGED TO DO. THE FUTURE IS WHAT WE MAKE IT!

Editorial: Rev. Phyllis Ochilo, Basil Ibrahim, Kenneth Ambani, Oluniyi Carew and Dayan Masinde

Think about it!

Now that you’ve had fun reading the story, think about and discuss these things: • How do our actions affect those around us?

• Can we achieve more when we work together?

• How do our actions affect our environment?

• Is it possible to do the wrong thing for the right reason, for example, to help someone you are responsible for?

• If someone does one wrong thing, are they a bad person?

• Does true giving need any reward?

• Is it better to think for yourself or to follow the crowd? Which will lead to better decisions?

• Do you take responsibility for your mistakes or do you seek to shift the blame?

• Is revenge the best way to deal with injustice?

rk ls we can wo As in dividua y, fight po vert together to o d n ents ca an d go vernm g the MDG it by follow in ? that, yo u say goals. What’s poster!

Lo ok at o ur

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Drought & me

Why camels are cool

• In arid areas where there are few fruits and vegetables, camel milk supplies plenty of vitamin C—6 times more than cows milk.

• Camel meat is healthy meat—it has less cholesterol and fat than beef. It is the preferred meat in Somalia and north-eastern Kenya.

• Camel fat is used in cooking and in treating fractures.

• Some communities, like the Turkana and the Samburu, drink camel blood.

• Properly cured camel hides are sold to make high-quality leather goods like bags. The hides have long been used to make traditional goods like ropes, sleeping mats and sandals.

Tailor-made for deserts All members of the camelid family are adapted to dry environments.

Our 1-humped camels are dromedaries. Read more about them and their relatives on the poster with this issue.

What makes dromedaries so perfect for hot deserts?

Beasts of burden Camels helped open up ancient trade routes across Asia and Africa, carrying salt, spices and other goods and linking people in Africa, Europe and Asia.

• A pack camel can easily carry 200 kg. Male camels carry household goods, water, elderly people and small children, and young livestock. They also carry milk and other goods to market.

• Tour operators use camels for trekking safaris, taking tourists to wilderness areas where there are rough roads or no roads. Camel racing is becoming popular. A camel can reach 65 km/hour over short distances.

Long eyelashes keep sand out of eyes Hump stores fat that provides energy when food and water are scarce

Mobile cleft upper lip helps to prevent injuries from thorns when browsing. Camels pluck leaves from stems and pick pods up from the ground

Thick fur insulates camels from heat as well as cold, reducing the need to sweat. Camels tend to face into the sun to reduce the surface area exposed to its rays

Extra-long intestines absorb as much water from food as possible, thus camel urine is thick and droppings are dry Camels pee on their hind legs for cooling through evaporation

Camels can go without water for up to 2 weeks

Thick pads protect feet from heat while toes splay out to avoid sinking in sand

• Camels are also used to pull carts and for ploughing.

• Camels provide mobile services in remote areas. They are, for example, used by the Kenya National Library Services to take books to faraway villages. Read about the camel library in the new book Gellow, by Alfred Muchilwa and Herbert Ostwald!

Food and goods from camels Pastoralists have always used camels for their own needs, and now camels and camel products are increasingly being sold commercially.

Camel milk is highly nutritious, having a high fat, protein and mineral content.

The milk is now being sold in urban areas. Even when water is scarce, camels can provide 2.4-4 litres of milk per day for up to 15 months.

Wealth and respect Camel-keeping communities value camels as a symbol of wealth and status. They provide a buffer against natural disasters like drought and disease. Many traditions revolve around camels—they are important in religious events and in marriages (as dowry) and burials. They may also be used as payment of damages to mend conflicts.

Want to know more cool camel adaptation facts? Read last year’s Young African Express, issue number 4.

Quick quiz answer: The camel’s hump contains fatty tissue.

C

Long legs keep the body high off the ground so it stays cooler.

Camels sit clear of the ground so that cooling air can circulate

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Quick quiz: Do you know what is in a camel’s hump? (Answer at bottom of page)

amels are extremely important to pastoralists in arid and semi-arid areas because of their special adaptations for hot, dry conditions and for the goods and services they provide.

Nostrils close to keep out sand.

Hair in the nostrils traps water vapour in a camel’s breath so it returns to the body

Vol. 7 no. 1

r e w o P

Do you know that wind can also make power? Using wind technology is cheaper than using a diesel generator or even buying paraffin every so often.

from thin air

Offshore wind farm in the North Sea off the Belgi

an coast

rnard

T

raditional sources of power, like coal and oil, pollute the air and contribute to global warming. We need to think of alternative power sources that will not destroy the environment. What alternative sources do you know?

Solar power, hydropower, biomass and geothermal power are some.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

ecosystems

Wind is a form of solar energy. Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities of the earth’s surface, and the rotation of the earth. When the sun heats up an area of land, the air around that land mass absorbs some of the heat. That hotter air begins to rise very quickly because a given volume of hot air is lighter than an equal volume of cooler air.

When that lighter hot air suddenly rises, cooler air flows quickly in to fill the gap the hot air leaves behind.

That air rushing in to fill the gap is wind.

©Madeline Ba

Vol. 7 no. 1

© Hans Hillewaer t

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Kenya’s first wind farm makes use of the winds blowing over the Ngong Hills.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 7 no. 1

ecosystems

Wind power in Kenya

rotor blade

Currently, 1 in 5 Kenyans has access to electricity but demand is rising generator co quickly, particularly in rural areas nverts mechanical ene and from businesses. At the same rgy into electrici time, rainfall has become unreliable ty because the catchment in key areas such as the Aberdares cable carries have been destroyed. This in electricity turn affects the production of down tower hydropower, because there is no water to produce the electricity.

Wind power can reduce the computer syst em country’s dependence on controls dire ct ion hydropower.

blades catch the wind and spin hub

tower

transformer connects to electricity gr id foundation

The plan is to install 365 giant wind turbines in the desert region around Lake Turkana in northern Kenya, which would create the biggest wind farm in Africa. Africa

has hot temperatures and strong winds, which are necessary for wind turbines to work well. When completed, the turbines will have a capacity of 300 MW. This is a quarter

HODI!

By Clare Barasa and Benjamin Ondiege

COME IN. I‘M PREPARING A TREATMENT FROM BUSH WILLOW FOR A CLIENT WITH STOMACHACHE. OH NO! YOUR HERBAL MEDICINE IS SO VITAL TO OUR VILLAGE. WHAT CAN WE DO?

I SEE CONNIE COMING. LET’S ASK HER.

REPORT ANYBODY CUTTING TREES WITHOUT A LICENCE FROM THE FOREST BOARD. AND EVERYONE IN THE VILLAGE SHOULD PLANT TREES.

of the power installed in Kenya.

How does a wind turbine work?

A wind turbine does the opposite of an electric fan.

of blades

The Ngong Hills wind farm is the first farm built in Kenya to produce wind power. The wind farm, made up of 6 wind turbines, can generate up to 5.1 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

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While a fan uses electricity to make wind to keep you cool on a hot day, a wind turbine uses the energy of wind to make electricity. The blades on a wind turbine are placed in the path of wind. The wind pushes the blades so that they rotate. As they rotate, the blades capture the energy in the wind. The energy is then passed through a generator, which converts the wind’s mechanical energy into electricity.

WHAT ABOUT MY MEDICINE? IS IT READY? MY COUGH’S GETTING WORSE BY THE DAY.

SORRY, I WAS GOING TO MAKE YOU SOMETHING FROM BAOBAB LEAVES BUT THERE ARE NO BAOBABS HERE ANY MORE.

THAT’S BECAUSE UNCARING PEOPLE CUT TREES DOWN WITHOUT REPLACING THEM.

A NUMBER OF TREES FROM WHICH I GET MY MEDICINE HAVE BEEN CUT DOWN.

MEANWHILE, I’LL TEACH THE VILLAGE HOW TO CONSTRUCT GABIONS* AND BUILD TERRACES ...

IT WILL BE FOREVER BEFORE MY MEDICINAL TREES GROW BACK.

MAKE USE OF THE REMAINING TREES AND MAKE SURE EVERYONE TREATS THEM WITH CARE.

... TO PREVENT SOIL EROSION, NOW THAT THE TREES HAVE BEEN CUT.

*Gabions are stone-filled baskets used to stabilise soil and prevent soil erosion.

Vol. 7 no. 1

home gardens

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Soil for productive gardening

S %

o you’ve decided to start a home or school garden.

You have decided what to grow. Now you must make sure you have fertile, good-quality soil so that you can grow healthy, good-quality plants.

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Water

7%

Organic matter

Minerals

%

Air

Healthy soil contains air, water, minerals (the nutrients that plants need) and organic matter (plant and animal matter) in these proportions.

43%

Healthy soil

Plants need air, light, water and nutrients. Good soil provides all these things except light. Healthy soil attracts soil organisms (living things) that keep it healthy by • releasing minerals into the soil • converting nitrogen from the air into a form that plants can use • breaking down toxic substances • improving the stability of the soil • breaking the soil up so more water can soak in • controlling pests and diseases Different soil organisms do different things so the more the merrier. Some soil organisms are harmful but if there are enough “good” organisms they will control the “bad” ones.

Soil quality

Soil has important jobs, like controlling the movement of water and storing and filtering it, and storing nutrients.

Good-quality soil contains minerals and holds the right amount of air and water to support and feed plants. Soil needs depth, good texture and structure.

• Deep soil holds more water and gives roots space to grow.

• Texture affects how much water and air the soil holds and how well it supports plants. The texture is the size of the soil particles (bits).

Clay soil is thick, with fine particles.

The little water that soaks in drains away very slowly.

Sandy soil is loose, with large particles that leave plenty of space for water and air but also allow water to drain away fast.

Comparing soils—a class activity You need

• The lower halves of 6 1-litre milk cartons. Punch 2–3 holes in the bottoms.

• Soil from different parts of the school compound. Find soils that differ in colour, texture and amount of organic matter they contain.

What to do

• Put a different soil in each carton. Write where the soil came from on every carton.

• Plant fast-sprouting seeds (like bean or maize) in the cartons and dampen the soil.

• Water regularly, using the same amount of water for each carton.

• Once seedlings appear, thin out to one seedling per carton.

• Over the next few weeks, measure how much the plants grow each week. Record each plant’s growth and appearance on a separate graph.

• After 6 weeks, compare the graphs and plants and discuss these questions: o Have the plants grown at different rates? o If they have, why do you think they did so? o Did any seedlings die? What was their soil like? (Look at texture, organic matter and colour.) o Which seedling is the tallest and healthiest?

What is its soil like? (Look at texture, organic matter and colour.)

If the soil from the garden did not do well, do not despair. There are ways to improve and protect our soil. See our next issues for more!

Loam soil contains various sizes of particles. Loam has the best texture because it can hold water and air yet excess water can drain away.

• Soil with good structure has spaces between particles, big enough for air and water to move around but holds together enough to support plants.

Burrowing soil organisms like earthworms improve soil structure.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

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Vol. 7 no. 1

agroforestry

Trees worth waiting for Agroforestry is the system of growing trees with farm crops. The word is fairly new but African farmers have used agroforestry for centuries. They would farm a piece of land and then shift to another piece, leaving the first plot alone for years. Trees and bushes would grow and bring fertility back to the soil. Eventually the farmer would clear the fallow land and use it again.

N

owadays, with our large population, most farmers do not have enough space to do this.

Yet many small-scale farmers in Africa are using other agroforestry methods. We too can grow trees in our home or school gardens. If you are thinking they will take up space that could be used for crops, or that they will take years to be of any use, you are partly right. You could cram in more maize or vegetables to be harvested in mere months instead.

However, our tree-growing farmers must believe that trees have more benefits than drawbacks or they would not plant them. What do you think they could be? Let’s have a look at what trees can do.

Trees on farms in

Improving lives and incomes Trees give farmers more ways to earn money and to cope with events like drought because they

Protect the land and support crops Trees help the environment and improve pasture for animals and food production because they • return or add nutrients to the soil • keep moisture in the soil and make farms more humid—this is especially important in arid and semiarid regions • reduce soil erosion • provide shelter from wind and sun

What trees should I grow?

Different trees provide different services and goods. The trees you choose will depend on what your main needs are. For example, if you need fuel you may choose a fastgrowing tree with wood that burns well; if you need more fodder for livestock you may plant a good fodder tree like sesbania. Most tree species have more than one use and some, like the moringa tree, are called multipurpose trees because of the many things they do and provide. e fertiliser trees becaus Some trees are called ential ess is en rog Nit l. soi the they add nitrogen to trees—trees and bushes for cro ps. Legumino us ture s, cowpea, sesbania—cap with pods, like acacia soil. the to it and transfer nitrogen fro m the air mical che for d nee the Fertiliser trees lessen fertilisers.

the Kerio Valley

Mangoes make money!

• provide food— people are able to add to their diets with fruits and leaves; trees can give food at times when crops fail

• supply firewood and charcoal when branches are harvested

• provide fodder for livestock

• give building materials, fence posts and wood for carving and furniture

• provide medicines • give bees and other pollinators food and shelter • improve income through the sale of fruit, honey, timber, fuel, fodder and other products like gum from gum acacia (Acacia senegal) With all these products and services, you can see why trees are worth the wait!

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Vol. 7 no. 11, 2012

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

practical science

H ns= M a + actio in

1

2

Unmixed oil and water. The oil forms a layer on top of the water

When stirred, droplets of oil are scattered through the water to form an emulsion.

3

4

If the mixture is left alone, the oil droplets gradually move back to the top and the liquids separate again.

If egg, an emulsifier, is added, the egg molecules arrange themselves on the borders between the water and the oil droplets and the liquids stay mixed.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 7 no. 1

PRACTICAL SCIENCE

How a thermostat works W closed

brass strip iron strip

50

OFF

When the metal is cool, the strip is straight and connects the 2 ends of the electrical circuit.

open

200

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5

5 150 12

1. Bimetallic strip A traditional thermostat uses a bimetallic strip—2 pieces of different metals bolted together, usually iron and brass, which expand at different rates. When the temperature rises, brass expands more than iron and so the whole strip bends to one side and eventually breaks open the electrical circuit. With the power off, the strip slowly cools down and straightens, snapping back into the circuit, making the electricity flow so the temperature starts to rise again.

bimetallic strip

225

Did you know that most things except water expand (get bigger) when heated up and contract (shrink) when cooled down? A thermostat uses this principle of thermal (heat) expansion to switch an electrical circuit on and off. All types of thermostats use the same law of nature.

An oven thermostat

250

hen the weather is hot, you sweat to lose heat. When it is cold, you shiver to warm yourself up. That is how your body keeps your internal temperature constant at 37 oC. To keep the temperature constant in a oven, an engine or a hot water heater, we use a device called a thermostat.

25

thermostat dial (sets the temperature)

brass expands more than iron When the strip heats up to the set temperature, it bends and breaks the circuit.

electrical circuit

2. Gas-filled bellows The bellows is a gas-filled cushion between 2 flat metal discs. With a large surface area, the discs heat up fast and warm the gas, which then expands, moving the discs and breaking the electric circuit. As the metal cools, the gas contracts, the discs move together and close the circuit again. This system is often used in air-conditioner thermostats because it reacts quickly.

3. Melting wax pellet The wax pellet is used in car engines. In a closed cylinder, the pellet melts

when the engine reaches its optimum operating temperature (about 95 oC). The melting wax increases in volume and pushes a valve that releases coolant into the radiator system. As the temperature fluctuates, the wax expands and contracts, controlling the valve and the amount of coolant flowing.

stats used?

Where are ther mo s that use

pliance So me electrical ap conditioners, car ther mostats are air ter ovens an d hot wa engines, fridges, think of others? heaters. Can yo u

1 Thermostat comes from 2 Greek words: thermo (meaning heat) and statos (which means standing, related to words like static and status quo meaning to stay the same). So a thermostat is a device that keeps the temperature the same, or constant.

w o H ...

I do If someone faints, a few simple actions will help them •

•

Help the person lie flat on their back.

Raise their legs, for example, by putting them on top of a backpack—this helps the blood to flow back to the brain.

But if you think that the person might have been injured when falling, do not move them. Moving an injured person can make things worse.

•

Loosen any tight clothing such as a belt or tie to help restore blood flow.

Note: • Someone who has fainted will usually recover within a minute or 2. If they do not regain consciousness quickly or have difficulty breathing, dial 999 for an ambulance.

•

It is normal for a person to feel a bit weak after fainting.

So make sure the person stays lying down for a while after gaining consciousness.

Getting up too quickly may bring on another fainting spell.

Fainting usually occurs when there is a temporary drop in the amount of blood reaching the brain. This makes a person lose consciousness and fall over.

Lying down, a person’s head is at the same level as the heart, which helps restore blood flow to the brain.

26

Vol. 7 no. 1

business & careers

? ? ? h c r why??

Resehoa w much??

how??

?

what?

where???

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

when??

Business research is gathering information before starting a business to ensure its success This research aims at: • identifying potential customers • finding out what customers like and how those needs and wants can be met • the best pricing for the product or service that you offer While carrying out research, identify which skills you have and can use as an income-generating activity. This is what Mrs Amani did.

Mrs Amani lives with her husband and their 2 lovely children on the outskirts of Nairobi. They live in a beautiful house they have built with their savings.

They can comfortably afford food, clothing and school fees.

Mrs Amani’s story:

When I was 14, an aunt asked me to help her in her dress shop. She taught me how to hem dresses and later she taught me how to use her sewing machine. I worked there for about 4 years. I was passionate about my job.

As time went by I improved my sewing skills. I would fit the dresses of customers of different sizes. I also mended their torn clothes and made them look as good as new. The customers were always pleased with my work. Slowly my orders increased.

I married 10 years ago and thought about starting a tailoring business to supplement our family’s income. But first, I talked to some women where I live. I wanted to find out what I could make that could not be bought cheaper second hand.

Several women told me that on special days they wore African outfits made out of kitenges. Most of them loved this material and so I decided to specialise in African styles.

I researched kitenge fabrics and found that they were readily available and affordable. I rented a small room and had a sign made: “Mama Amani Fashions”. My aunt lent me a sewing machine to begin with.

I got a few orders and started work.

I decided on a price after considering my labour and operating costs, and the design and the cost of material the client had chosen.

One time I made an African outfit for a client that was remarkably beautiful.

That outfit opened great doors for me.

When the client wore it to a function, a high-profile lady, Mrs Temu spotted it and admired my sewing skills. Well, she visited my tiny stall in Kawangare, saying she wanted a similar outfit.

Mrs Temu was so impressed she connected me to an institution that gave me a loan to expand my business.

I paid the loan back in 5 years.

I often research current market trends and the latest designs to increase my client base. I now employ 2 people to help me cope with the high demand. I moved to bigger business premises 3 years ago. I also have a shop that sells my clothes. Ten years down the line I am still going strong.

Help Mrs Amani do her research

Imagine you are Mrs Amani doing research before starting up your tailoring business.

Write a market survey to find out if such a business can succeed.

Your sur vey sho uld find out • Is there nee d for a tailoring ser vice in the area?

• What sort of clothes do my customers want?

• How much are my customers willing to pay?

• How do I advertise my ser vice ?

Write down the questions you would ask in order to find out such information. Here are 2 examples to get you started: Do you buy clothes from a tailo r?

If yes, what sort of clothes?

1. _____________________ _

2. _____________________ _

3. _____________________ _

4. _____________________ _

What if there was already another tailoring service in the area? What research should you do before you start? Would this change your business direction?

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 7 no. 1

careers & Fun

27

e t u l a s e W ambui Otieno Mbugua, a freedom fighter, a trailblazer and a crusader for women’s rights, was born in 1936.

A nonconformist from early on, Wambui left home at the age of 16 to join the Mau Mau even though she, unlike most of the other Mau Mau fighters, came from a privileged family. She was arrested in 1960 and imprisoned for almost a year.

Wambui broke cultural boundaries again by being involved in a court battle to fight for her husband’s wish to be buried at their Ngong home. Her husband’s clan wanted to bury him in Siaya, his ancestral home. This case was ground-breaking as it broke the

In 2003, Wambui challenged societal boundaries once more when she married Peter Mbugua, 42 years her junior.

Wambui passed away on 30 August 2011 but her courage and determination to stand up for what she believed in will linger for generations to come.

In the 1960s, Wambui married SM Otieno, a Luo, at a time when Kikuyus and Luos didn’t see eye to eye. When her husband passed away in 1986,

You could be ...

silence on the legal rights of women, particularly widows.

... a statistician!

Are you observant, investigative, analytical and social, and do you love mathematics? Then you could be a statistician like Isaac Ndegwa!

He says—

“

Statisticians study and interpret information that is needed to solve a particular problem or to make future predictions.

Remember the 2009 census in Kenya?

A good example of what statisticians do is overseeing the census process. A census is the counting of the number of people in a population and it’s done to help the government understand a number of things about its population, including population growth, so they can plan ahead—for example, build enough schools, hospitals, roads and other facilities to cater for the growing population.

Generally a client (government or an organisation or an institution) approaches statisticians with an issue they want to know more about. The statisticians then

plan ways to collect the required information.

They organise a team to collect and record the information by going out and asking people questions. When all the information is collected, the statisticians study and interpret it.

Then they format it into charts and graphs that the client can easily understand. They also recommend how the client can use the findings.

CAREER FACT FILE • Excel in maths in school • Earn a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or statistics (takes approximately 4 years)

I love my job even though when I was growing up I wanted to become an engineer, because my favourite subject in school was maths. However, I failed chemistry in my A-level but passed in physics and maths, so I opted to pursue a bachelor of science degree in maths and computer science.

I later did a master’s in economics and policy management. Now I’m an economist statistician.

So my advice to young people is: Don’t be close-minded when it comes to careers, as your interests and talents can fit into more than one profession.

Isaac K. Ndegwa, senior manager, Kenya Bureau of Statistics: “Love what you do.”

”

28

Vol. 7 no. 1

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

careers & Fun

Cleaning up!

THE T E ME

Most people view household chores as a bore.

Not Carol Mweu. She has made cleaning a business.

“My childhood dream was to become an air hostess, but after finishing my A-levels, I decided to pursue a career in journalism. I enrolled for a degree in journalism at Makerere University, Uganda. Upon graduating, I realised that we were very many graduates chasing very few employment opportunities. This fact made me resolve to become a job creator (entrepreneur) someday. I thought of things I loved to do that I could turn into a business and cleaning came to mind. So at the end of every month, I put money aside towards my goal of starting a cleaning business.

do

My biggest start-up challenge was buying the cleaning equipment—I had to import most of it. Winning contracts in a competitive bidding process was, and still is, another challenge.

However, knowing that I’m raising the standards of living of the young people I’ve employed makes all the challenges worthwhile.

M ake yo gurt

Carol Mweu, the owner of Dignified Cleaning and Consultants.

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: every young person has a lot of potential. All one needs is strong will as the difference between a successful person and others is not a matter of talent or knowledge, but the successful person’s strength of will.”

5

Pour the milk into the containers and cover with a cloth. Keep warm by wrapping with cloth or newspaper. Do not shake the containers. The process takes about 6 hours.

6

Test to see if the yogurt is ready by gently turning a container to see if it keeps its shape. A sign that your yogurt is ready is if some slightly yellowish, viscous liquid appears at the top. You can either pour it off or mix it in and eat it.

Yogurt is so yummy! Did you know you can make it at home?

You’ll need

• 2-3 glass or plastic containers • 1 litre milk, low fat or whole • Small container of unsweetened, unflavoured yogurt. The yogurt must contain live cultures—bacteria that ferment milk. Check the label.

1

After being employed for 3 years, I decided that it was time for me to start on my own. In the beginning, I worked part-time and from home, mainly approaching potential clients and purchasing cleaning equipment using the money I’d saved. After a few months, I had enough clients to afford renting office space, employing 3 people, and doing the business full-time. One year later, my company employs more than 20 young people and in my clients’ list are some wellknown companies.

Procedure

Heat milk, stirring until it is hot but does not boil. Heating kills any bacteria that would compete with the bacteria that convert milk to yogurt. It changes the milk protein in a way that allows the milk to culture and become firm.

Heat until a test drop on your hand feels hot but does not burn.

Sterilise your containers using boiling water. Let the water stay in the containers for 5-10 minutes.

2

3

4

Stir milk as it cools, to prevent it from scorching at the bottom of your pot. If the milk scorches the yogurt will taste bad.

Stir the plain yogurt until it is liquid.

Add it to the pot of warm milk.

Stir it in for a couple of minutes till it mixes well. This spreads the bacteria (Lactobacillus bifidus) throughout the milk and allows them to grow.

Cover and refrigerate! It is ready to eat. You can also stir in nuts, pieces of fruit or honey for a delicious flavour.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Reading is fun

Vol. 7 no. 1

29

A few days later, over dinner, the dreaded moment came. Anna’s father paused between mouthfuls of ugali, “Isn’t the school trip this weekend?”

Anna couldn’t think what to say, so she told the truth. Her heart pounded.

“What! How much of my money did you give him?” her father bellowed.

Anna sprang from her seat and ran to her bedroom. She could hear her mother’s voice echoing softly around the kitchen. Then her father appeared at her door.

A short story by Joanne Carpenter

T

he alarm clock rang hopelessly.

Eventually Anna stirred, climbed out of bed and threw on her school uniform. Dragging herself into the bathroom she glanced in the mirror. Her clothes were crumpled, her hair scraped back and dull, and her face seemed ordinary. She shrugged, “Whatever.”

“Late again?” her mother sighed as Anna’s long, disorganised limbs pitched her into the kitchen.

As Anna hurried to school under blossoming jacaranda trees a man came running down the hill towards her. He wasn’t looking where he was going. His attention was held by a letter, which he held close up to his face.

“This doesn’t look good,” she thought.

The man hadn’t seen the pile of rubble obstructing the narrow path. He tripped and fell, scattering his papers across the road. Traffic swerved to

avoid him. Anna ran into the road and scooped up the documents. They appeared to be medical records.

“Are you OK?” she asked. But the man’s hands were still shaking. “Here, take this,” she said, handing him some notes from her purse. “Will it help?” The man nodded gratefully.

“You know, when you were tiny you always wanted to help other people.

You would often give your own things away. We thought it was so cute.

You didn’t seem to need things for yourself. You found enough happiness within you.”

“Can you swap with me for litter duty today?” Mercy asked Anna as she took her seat in the classroom.

“Why?” asked Anna, “Is Kwame playing on the team again this afternoon?”

Mercy blushed. “At least I have a boyfriend.”

The teacher bustled in. “Everyone must hand in the school trip money today, please.” Anna’s stomach turned over. What had she done? She didn’t have enough money now.

The next morning Anna woke early and looked in the mirror. She liked what she saw. And she knew she had made the right decision in helping the man.

“Did you hear that Baraka has split up with Grace?” said Mercy slyly as she took her seat in class. “You could have sat next to him on the bus if you’d come on the school trip.”

“What’s wrong?” asked Mercy.

Anna smiled, “That doesn’t matter now,” she said.

“I gave my trip money away,” said Anna.

“Wow, what’s up with you?” said Mercy.

‘You’re a total idiot,” said Mercy. And Anna believed that she was.

“Nothing,” said Anna, “I’m better than ever.”

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

puzzles & fun

Fun for

You

Jokes

Olympian challenge This is Olympics year so we‛re giving you an Olympian 2-part challenge! The London 2012 Olympics features 26 sports.

First find the 12 sports in our list in the grid. The letters may run horizontally, vertically or diagonally and backwards or forwards. Cross out the words as you find them. We have found one to get you started.

Athletics Basketball Boxing Cycling

Y I T N I W O H O Y V F

E V O L L E Y B A L L O

K M T A S I T B L T R O

Hockey Football Gymnastics Judo

C P H J T G S A M C U T

O O U L N H B I Y W A B

H D I I N T L C N M I A

O R W I E L L E P N K L

T O N K O I R U T H E L

Rowing Tennis Volleyball Weightlifting

R T S F N F I T E I H T

H A G G T T U T T V C S

B A I E T I M O E N P S

E N G Y M N A S T I C S

scho olg irl get Why did the ? lane to stu dy into an aero p a higher She wante d e ducation.

B O X I N G P C A Y P E

Why wa bro o m s the late?

It ove r swe pt.

do of hair d in k t a Wh have? oceans Wavy

Answers page 25

Next find this quote from the founder of the modern Olympics, Pierre de Coubertin, in the remaining letters: “The important thing in life is not to triumph but to compete.”

Is popcorn the world’s oldest snack? solution:

Y I T N I W O H O Y V F

E V O L L E Y B A L L O

K M T A S I T B L T R O

C P H J T G S A M C U T

Researchers recently found evidence of popcorn

Ofrom O TBC in E America—that H 4,700 R Peru, H B B South is 6,700-year-old popcorn! (Maize comes from South O D R O T A A N O America. It was first domesticated in Mexico Unearly S G N years I W 9,000 ago.)I G X L I I K F G E Y I When N N E O T get T pocket N you M N money, Don’t spend it all ...

H T L I FTHANK I DAD. N G T YOU, SELL ME ALL YOUR B L L R I U M A P SWEETS! I C E U T T O S C Y N P T E T E T A W M N H I V N I Y HIS C P C P A I K SOME EHEREPOCKET FOR S S S E L TSON. B A L MONEY YOU,

Pet mix-up: Rachel’s pet is Rover, the cat.

Felicia’s pet is Fluffy, the dog.

Penny’s pet is Spot, the rabbit.

Vol. 7 no. 1

Silhouettes: 4 and 8

30

... Do save some up instead.

KIDOGO KIDOGO HUJAZA KIBABA. *

By Harray

* Little by little fills the pot.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 7 no. 1

puzzles & fun

By Bella Kilonzo

Anthony Ant will only believe the centre of a doughnut is hollow if he sees it with his own eyes. Help him to find the centre and the proof!

Which 2 silhouettes are identical?

Doughnut wonder

silhouettes

www.bellakilonzo.com

CRAZY BELZO

Felicia, Penny and Rachel are 3 very happy sisters—after years of begging their parents to let them have pets, Mum announces, “We are taking you to the KSPCA where you may each choose a pet.” The daughters hug and kiss their parents in delight.

1

2

3

4

5

6

8

9

1

7

Adoption papers are filled out for each animal. The attendant explains that he will deliver the animals to Answer: their home the following day and the family leave.

8 and 4 Then a frisky puppy causes chaos—he gets hold of the papers and chews them to bits.

“Oh no!” sighed the attendant. I‛m going to have to piece all this information together again!”

“Just what we always wanted,” says Rachel with shining eyes.

At the KSPCA (the animal shelter) each sister chooses a pet.

Can you help him? This is the information he was left with: 1. The girl who adopted the dog did not name it Rover.

2. Felicia‛s pet, Fluffy, is not an animal that hops.

3. Spot, who is not a dog, was adopted by Penny.

4. The rabbit was not adopted by Rachel.

solution:challenge Olympian

Girl’s name

B O X I N G P C A Y P E

Pet

E N G Y M N A S T I C S

We also know that Felicia‛s pet is neither Spot nor Rover, so we put crosses in those boxes.

B A I E T I M O E N P S

This tells us that Fluffy is neither Penny‛s nor Rachel‛s pet, so we can put a cross in the boxes matching them with Fluffy.

H A G G T T U T T V C S

For example, clue 2 tells us that Felicia‛s pet is Fluffy, so we tick the box where their names meet.

R T S F N F I T E I H T



rabbit

T O N K O I R U T H E L

rabbit



cat

O R W I E L L E P N K L

cat

  

dog

H D I I N T L C N M I A

dog

Rover

O O U L N H B I Y W A B

Penny

Spot

C P H J T G S A M C U T

Felicia

Fluffy

K M T A S I T B L T R O

Rachel

Pet

E V O L L E Y B A L L O

Pet’s name

Answers page 24 Y I T N I W O H O Y V F

Solve the puzzle using these clues and the grid. Tick boxes where rows and columns meet if you know they match (like a girl‛s name and her pet‛s name).

Put a cross in boxes where the column and row do not match (as when you know a pet does not have a certain name). As you tick or cross out possible matches you will be able to match up names and pets.

31

32

Vol. 7 no. 1

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Civil society

! o N “You are kidding me, right?”

“I’m dead serious, Mali. I can’t invite him to my party! These guys are dangerous. They walk around with explosives!”

“We don’t,” Mohamed said, sitting down next to Maisha.

“I-I didn’t see you coming, Moha,” Maisha stammered.

“I see the rumours have reached you too,” Mohamed said teasingly. “Not all Muslims are terrorists, Maisha. We’re all individuals. So whatever someone does should be seen as an individual’s

s to religiou e intoleranc

doing, not the doing of an entire ethnic group, race or religion.”

“True,” Mali agreed. “Extremists can be found in any type of group. So we shouldn’t judge a whole religion based on a few extremists. Such generalisations lead to religious discrimination, which in turn leads to religious intolerance.”

“I’m sorry, Moha. I’m not the only one who’s believed the rumours. Guys, what can we do to counteract this?”

What do you think Maisha, Mali and Moha can do to eliminate religious intolerance in their community?

WE REGULARLY TAKE ABANDONED CHILDREN TO THE CHILRDREN’S CENTRE, BUT THE POPULATION SEEMS TO BE SHRINKING INSTEAD OF GROWING.

Story by Sarah Radoli

Actions that breed religious intolerance: • Spreading hatred about an entire religious group, for example, stating or implying that all members of a group are evil • Ridiculing and belittling an entire religious group for their sincerely held beliefs and practices • Spreading misinformation about a group’s beliefs or practices

• Attempting to force religious beliefs and practices on others against their will • Limiting the freedom of a person to change their religion NO! I SUSPECT THEY ARE BEING TRAFFICKED.

WE NEED TO INVESTIGATE.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN? PERHAPS SOME OF THE CHILDREN ARE IN HOSPITAL …

Art by Bella Kilonzo

I’VE NOTICED THE SAME THING. WHAT SHALL WE DO?

YOU ARE RIGHT. THE CONSTITUTION PROTECTS CHILDREN FROM ALL FORMS OF HARM, INCLUDING BEING TRAFFICKED.

IT’S TRUE. WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN TO THOSE KIDS? I KNOW SOME OF THEM!

ELDER MUCHILWA WOULDN’T DO THAT.

THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION, BEN. WATOTOMAN, WILL YOU ACCOMPANY US?

REPORT IT TO THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT. THE LAW AND CONSTITUTION ARE AGAINST CHILD TRAFFICKING.

ISBN 978-9966-33-089-5

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for life

ISSUE

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ACCORDING TO WHAT WE LEARNED IN SCHOOL, ANYONE WHO USES FALSE PRETENCES TO GET HOLD OF CHILDREN AND TRAFFIC THEM SHOULD BE PUNISHED.

�

COMING FROM THE FIELDS LAST WEEK, MY SON AND I NOTICED A STRANGE VAN PARKED AT THE CENTRE. SOME CHILDREN WERE PUT INTO THE VAN AND ELDER MUCHILWA GIVEN AN ENVELOPE BEFORE THE VAN DROVE OFF INTO THE NIGHT.

The Young African Express is published by Jacaranda Designs Ltd, PO Box 1202 - 00606, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: +254 (0)20 374-4737. Registered at the GPO as an educational magazine.

The throu Young Africa gh your schoon Express l by contais now The throu Young Africa cting in Uchum gh your i super mark scho n Express